Snap Kitchen’s #21DaysforGood Challenge

It’s hard to believe that I am sitting on Day 16 of my 21 Day Challenge to eat healthy with Snap Kitchen’s #21DaysforGood but I am and I feel fantastic.

No really.

When I was initially approached to participate in the challenge, I thought it would be a great “quick fix” to lose weight. But there are 2 wrong things in this thought. First, there is no “quick fix” in the challenges to lose weight. In the 16 days, I have lost 4 pounds (more on this later). And secondly, eating healthy with this challenge has taught me so much about the proper ways to fuel my body, which overall will help me for life – so much more rewarding than just losing weight.

Snap Kitchen’s Eggs & Beef Meatballs – a YUMMY breakfast

Goal #1- Emotional:
I want to not turn to food out of habit or boredom anymore.

Goal #1 Progress: Again this week, when I was eating 5 meals a day, I was never hungry, I was never sluggish and kept busy working on the blogs or around the house. I didn’t have time to be bored, so I never reached for food. Yay!

You are never hungry with yummy snacks like these! Snap Kitchen’s Quinoa Mac & Cheese

Goal #2 – Knowledge:I want to learn how to properly fuel my body to maintain energy all day. I would also like to learn better ways to feed my family.

Goal #2 Progress: This week I struggled. The cold weather we have been having kept me in indoors (I’m a wimp at running in 30 degrees – y’all, I’m a TEXAN!). Without getting a motivating workout in, I felt like a slug. And I slacked off on my eating. One day, I skipped my snacks and was surprised at how lazy I felt. I can definitely see how 5 wholesome “meals” a day keeps me fueled and energized to get through my day. This is a definite change I will be making in my life.

Also, I tested out some of the food I was eating with my family. I made their favorite meal (lasagna) with ground turkey and gluten-free noodles made with brown rice. Not one of them even noticed a difference. Score!

Cooking lasagna with my youngest – little does he know what’s in it…

Goal #3 – Physical:
I want to fit into my winter wardrobe (aka: skinny jeans) and be able to wear a swimsuit for a trip to Mexico in January.

Goal #3 Progress: Alright, let’s address this 4 pound weight loss issue. I assumed with me eating all wholesome, good foods, the pounds would melt away and I’d be in my skinny jeans in no time. Well guess what? I’m in my skinny jeans regardless of what the scale says. I am not bloated, I don’t feel puffy and my “big clothes” are fitting better. It’s a total mindset change to not look at the scale and be thrilled with my clothes fitting me differently. A number on the scale is attainable – but not realistic. I know the food I am eating is good for me, which is making a difference in my body. And for that, I am happy.

Happy, Healthy & Fueled!

Backpack Coalition of Round Rock

It was a hard pill to swallow for me to hear that almost 1000 Round Rock ISD students do not have anything to eat on the weekends. I live in such an affluent community, yet this is happening right under our noses. Each Friday, the Backpack Coalition of Round Rock goes into 11 different RRISD schools and gives almost 680 children a bag filled with meals that costs less than $5 each.

Last Spring, I had the privilege of tagging along with a group of ladies who have been going to Voight Elementary School each Friday for the past 2 years. Children file through, picking out their favorite cereals, fruit cups, and snacks to add to the pre-packed bags that include items to make meals with, such a ravioli, mac & cheese, vienna sausages, and juice. It was an absolute humbling experience to watch these grateful children head back to their classrooms with a smile on their faces.

The Backpack Coalition began in 2011, when a RRISD teacher recruited some friends to help feed 17 of her children over Spring Break. Recognizing a much bigger need, they partnered with local churches and small businesses to help provide meals for almost 500 students the next year. In 2013, that number rose to almost 700. And the need is still not completely met.

This is a ministry EVERYONE can easily help. A bag of food that provides seven meals to one child is only $5. The Backpack Coalition has a goal to have no hungry kids in Round Rock. The words Hungry and Kids should never be in the same sentence together.

This is why I chose the Backpack Coalition of Round Rock to work on this Challenge for. Snap Kitchen is donating $3000 to the winner of the #21DaysforGood challenge. Let’s put this into perspective – $3000 can feed 600 kids. But the good news is, you can help today. I know there are organizations across the country that need your help. I encourage you to look for them and donate.

Because of the work I have been doing on behalf of the #21DaysforGood challenge, I was able to connect a group a Dell to the Backpack Coalition this past weekend. They are planning a BIG Food Drive at Dell to benefit them!!! Isn’t that AMAZING??!! I am so excited for Backpack Coalition and can’t wait to see the results!

Last week of my challenge – It’s not going to be hard. The food is amazing, the staff at the Arboretum kitchen is amazing & helpful and I know I can do it!!

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Welcome

Hi! I’m Rebecca Darling, a freelance travel writer who lives in Austin, Texas. I’m a mom of 3 who loves to create exceptional memories with her family. Whether that be on the other side of the world or right down the street, my goal is to help you create exceptional memories too. More about me.